ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

School Kitchen Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

West Ottawa Public Schools

Kitchen Assistant

Holland, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

High School Campus Date Available: August 11, 2026 Closing Date: Open until filled Notice of Support Staff Posting Position: Kitchen Assistant Posting # 4023 * West Ottawa High School Posting Dates:

West Ottawa Public Schools

Kitchen Assistant

Holland, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Waukazoo Elementary School Date Available: August 11, 2026 Closing Date: Open until filled Notice of Support Staff Posting Position: Kitchen Assistant Posting # 4024 * Waukazoo Elementary School ...

Sourcewell

Kitchen Assistant

Little Falls, MN · On-site

$16.63/hr

Little Falls Community Middle School District: Little Falls ISD 482 Little Falls Community School District is excited to announce a 3-hour-per-day Kitchen Assistant opening at the Middle School for ...

Sourcewell

Kitchen Assistant

Little Falls, MN · On-site

$16.63/hr

Little Falls ISD 482 Little Falls Community School District is excited to announce a 3-hour-per-day Kitchen Assistant opening at Lincoln Elementary for the upcoming school year! This is a wonderful ...

Diocese of Gaylord

Kitchen Assistant

Lake Leelanau, MI · On-site

$12.25 - $15/hr

Mary School of Lake Leelanau Employment Type: Part-time Location: Lake Leelanau, MI St. Mary School is seeking a Kitchen Assistant for the upcoming school year. This position follows the school ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSchool Kitchen JobsSchool Kitchen Assistant Jobs

School Kitchen Assistant information

See salary details

$8

$15

$19

How much do school kitchen assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for school kitchen assistant in the United States is $15.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between School Kitchen Assistant vs School Cook?

AspectSchool Kitchen AssistantSchool Cook
CredentialsBasic food safety certification, on-the-job trainingFood safety certification, culinary skills, possibly culinary or nutrition qualifications
Work EnvironmentAssist in food prep, serve meals, clean kitchen areasPrepare, cook, and oversee meal production in school kitchens
Employer & IndustrySchools, educational institutionsSchools, educational institutions
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a School Kitchen Assistant and a School Cook lies in their responsibilities and required skills. The School Kitchen Assistant primarily supports food prep, serving, and cleaning, often with minimal certifications. In contrast, the School Cook is responsible for preparing and cooking meals, often requiring culinary skills and certifications. Both roles work within school environments and are essential for student meal services, but the School Cook typically has a more advanced role in meal preparation.

What qualifications do I need to be a School Kitchen Assistant?

School Kitchen Assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include basic food safety knowledge, good communication, and the ability to work in a team. Some positions may require food hygiene certifications or training in food handling procedures.

What are some common challenges faced by school kitchen assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

School kitchen assistants often face challenges such as working efficiently during busy lunch periods, maintaining strict food safety standards, and adapting to varying dietary needs among students. Effective management involves strong time-management skills, teamwork, and staying up to date with food hygiene training. Many schools offer on-the-job guidance and ongoing support to help kitchen assistants succeed, making it a great environment for those who enjoy a fast-paced, collaborative workplace.

What are school kitchen assistants?

School kitchen assistants help prepare and serve food to students and staff in educational settings. Their duties typically include assisting with meal preparation, cleaning kitchen equipment, setting up serving areas, and ensuring food safety and hygiene standards are maintained. They may also help with receiving deliveries, storing supplies, and supporting cooks or chefs as needed. School kitchen assistants play a key role in providing nutritious meals and maintaining a clean, safe kitchen environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a School Kitchen Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a School Kitchen Assistant, you generally need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of food hygiene, and sometimes a Level 2 Food Safety certificate. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, portion control systems, and cleaning protocols is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and good communication skills help you work efficiently and maintain a positive environment. These skills ensure that meals are prepared safely and efficiently, supporting students' health and the smooth operation of the school kitchen.

How to get a job at a school cafeteria?

To get a job as a school kitchen assistant, applicants should check for openings at local schools or district websites, prepare a resume highlighting relevant skills such as food handling and cleanliness, and submit an application. Some positions may require a background check or food safety certification. Experience working in food service or with children can be advantageous.

How much do school kitchen staff make?

School kitchen assistants typically earn between $20,000 and $30,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and school district. They often work part-time or full-time hours, with some positions requiring food safety certifications or experience in food service environments.

What is the role of Kitchen Assistant in school?

A school kitchen assistant is responsible for preparing, cooking, and serving meals to students and staff. They also maintain cleanliness and safety standards in the kitchen, often working with kitchen equipment and following food hygiene regulations. The role may require basic food handling skills and the ability to work efficiently in a team environment.
More about School Kitchen Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for School Kitchen Assistant jobs? Cities with the most School Kitchen Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of School Kitchen jobs? The most popular types of School Kitchen jobs are:
What states have the most School Kitchen Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for School Kitchen Assistant jobs include:
School Kitchen Assistant jobs near you
Kitchen Assistant

Kitchen Assistant

West Ottawa Public Schools

Holland, MI • On-site

$12.75 - $15.75/hr

Part-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Food Service
Date Posted:
6/9/2026
Location:
High School Campus
Date Available:
August 11, 2026
Closing Date:
Open until filled
Notice of Support Staff Posting
Position: Kitchen Assistant Posting # 4023
  • West Ottawa High School

Posting Dates: June 9, 2026 - Until Filled
Reports To: Food Director
Beginning: August 11, 2026
Hours: 20 hours per week
Monday to Friday
School Year/Part Time
Qualifications:
  • Experience working in a school kitchen or cafeteria preferred.
  • ServSafe certified preferred.

Job Responsibilities:
  • Food Preparation::
    Assist the main cook of all breakfast and lunch meals. Follow recipes and portion guidelines to ensure consistency and quality. Maintain a clean and organized work area at all times.
  • Sanitation: Adhere to proper sanitation and food safety guidelines at all times. Clean and sanitize food preparation surfaces, equipment, and utensils. Monitor food temperatures and storage to prevent spoilage and contamination.
  • Serving Students:: Greet students and staff in a friendly and courteous manner. Serve food items according to portion sizes and dietary restrictions. Assist students with their meals and answer any questions about menu items.
  • Running Register: Operate cash register and accurately process transactions. Handle cash in accordance with established procedures. Balance cash drawer at the end of each shift.
  • Dishwashing: Assist with dishwashing duties as needed, including washing, rinsing, and sanitizing dishes, carts and utensils. Ensure that all dishes are properly cleaned and stored for future use.
  • Stocking/Ordering: Assist with putting away GFS order in dry storage, coolers and freezers.
  • Other: Physically demanding job. Must be able to push, pull, lift, carry up to 40 lbs. Able to stand for extended periods and work in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
  • Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
  • Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position. This factor is important if it occurs to a considerable degree and requires the substantial use of the upper extremities and back muscles. Must be able to lift, carry, push and/or pull up to 40 pounds
  • Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
  • Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken work; those activities where detailed or import spoken instructions must be conveyed to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
  • Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction, and having the ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and making fine discriminations in sound.
  • Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
  • The worker is subject to environmental conditions.
  • The worker should provide consistent and reliable in person attendance.

Apply